Priority Review of Overseas Manufacturer Registration: Catch the Deadline of Oct. 31

On Apr. 13, 2021, General Administration of Customs of China (GAC) issued the new version of “Administrative Provisions on Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Foods”, which will come into effect on Jan. 1 2022. It stipulated that all food categories (excluding food additives and food related products) are subject to overseas manufacturer registration. Among them, the manufacturer registration of 18 food categories should be recommended by the competent authority of exporting countries, and enterprises producing other food categories can apply for the registration by themselves. As revealed by latest internal information, GAC has notified the competent authorities of exporting countries regarding the further information on registration requirements and process. Details are as follows.

1. Overseas manufacturers subject to recommendation by their competent authorities

• Current & new exporters of 4 product categories (meat, aquatic, dairy and bird nest)

Current exporters which have been registered will continue to be recognized by GAC with no need for re-registration. For manufacturers who newly apply for registration and intend to start exportation to China, they should complete the registration following the requirements specified in “Measures for the Safety Administration of Imported and Exported Foods” and “Administrative Provisions on Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Foods”.

• Exporters of other 14 food categories

Manufacturers who have exported relevant products to China since January 1, 2017, can enjoy preferential registration. Enterprises need to submit relevant information to their local competent authority. The authority shall compile a list of the whole country and submit to GAC prior to Oct. 31, 2021. Later, GAC will expedite the review of those recommended list. However, for those fail to submit relevant information before the deadline, they will be regarded as normal new registrants and should complete the overseas manufacturer registration following the requirements in “Administrative Provisions on Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Foods”.

18 food categories subject to recommendation registration

Meat and meat products, casing, aquatic products, dairy products, bird's nest and bird's nest products, bee products, eggs and egg products, edible oils and fats, stuffed pasta, edible cereals, industrial products of cereal flour and malt, preserved and dehydrated vegetables and dried beans, seasonings, nuts and seeds, dried fruits, unroasted coffee beans and cocoa beans, special dietary foods, and health food

2. Self-registration

Enterprises producing food products other than those 18 food categories can register relevant information on China International Trade Single Window Service System (www.singlewindow.cn).

Besides, GAC also clarified that the those signed bilateral agreements regarding registration requirements will be continually effective.

REACH24H consulting group, which owns ChemLinked, can provide consultation service regarding overseas manufacturer registration and assist clients to complete the registration on the online platform. Feel free to contact us if you need any help.